'The Casual Vacancy' TV cast will include Michael Gambon, Rory Kinnear

Gambon starred as wizard Dumbledore in the movie series based on 'Vacancy' author J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' novels.

'The Casual Vacancy' is by J.K. Rowling.

June 18, 2014

Cast members for the TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novel “The Casual Vacancy” have been announced, and one will be familiar to fans of Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

Actor Michael Gambon, who portrayed wise wizard Dumbledore after actor Richard Harris died, will star on the BBC/HBO production as delicatessen owner Howard Mollison, while “Agatha Christie’s Marple” actress Julia McKenzie will portray his wife, Shirley, according to Variety.

The series will also star “Penny Dreadful” actor Rory Kinnear as parish council member Barry Fairbrother, “Edge of Heaven” actor Rufus Jones as Howard’s son Miles, and Keeley Hawes of “The Tunnel” as Miles’ wife Samantha. Other actors on board include Keeley Forsyth, Abigail Lawrie, Simon McBurney, Michelle Austin, Marie Critchley, Monica Dolan, and Richard Glover. 

According to Variety, the series will air in three parts and the production will begin filming next month.